Martinsburg herald. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1881-1920, 1887-01-08
WASHINGTON LETTER.

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WASHINGTON, Jan. 3, 1887.
There was strange commingling
of dirge and mirth in the official life
of Washington during the past
week. The old year died amid the
lingering strains of the dead march
that led the imposing funeral pro-
cession of Gen. Logan to the ceme-
terry and the New Year was ushered
in, as usual, with the brilliant Of
fetal and private receptions that
inaugurate the gay season at The
Capital.
The fact that both Of the states
men who were selected for the Vice
Presidency by the two political
parties at the last Presidential cleo
ton, are now gone, recalls the fact,
that of all the men who have been
presidential candidates on either
side, all are dead save Fremont,
Hayes, Blaine and Cleveland. Mr..
Hayes is the only surviving ex-
President.
Republican Logan filed a double
place III history. he was a leader
among statesmen, and among
soldiers, and like Grant and Lincoln
be was beloved, not only for grand,
and good deeds, but for his rugged
honesty. But his political oppo-
nents never spoke kindly of him
until after his death. A friend of his
remarked, off half the kind things
said of Gen. Logan since his death
had been uttered while he was
living, he might have been hap
pier but perhaps not a more useful
man."
When the remains OF Gen. Logan
lay in state in the rotunda of the
Capitol, among the thousands who
passed through TO look at his face,
was noticed the tall form of gen.
tleman enveloped in an immense
fur coat. He stopped down and
gazed tenderly at the face Of the
dead, and then passed on with tears
streaming down his cheeks. He
had been a surgeon on Gen. Logan's
staff when the latter commanded
the Army of Tennessee.
Gen. Logan's property here is
encountered for nearly it's full value.
The fund that is now being raised
for the widow is for the purpose of
clearing her home of the debt hang
ing over it, and leaving her suf
ficient to enable her to live in the
manner to which she has been ac-
customed. Subscriptions to this
fund have come in very rapidly,
and about $4,000 have been prom
Used.
Among the distinguished pail
bearers at the Logan obsequies was
ex-senator Conkling who had not
been in the Senate Chamber since
six years ago when he left it under
the memorable circumstances that
took Senator Platt from public life.
During the funeral ceremonies Mr..
COnkling sat between Gen. Sherman
and Senator Stanford Of California.
After the benediction his old friends
pressed forward to greet him at
the doorway and formed jam
around him with extended hands.
The day of General Logan's
funeral was one of the most incle.
ment that winter can produce. The
streets were covered with ice, snow
and muddy slush, and the air was
chilly mist. The Presidents physi-
clan would not allow him to ride to
the Capitol to attend the funeral
services. Still hundreds of men,
comrades of the dead soldier, whose
vitality had already been Slapped by
wounds, hardships and explosure,
joined the procession and waded
through miles of cold slush. Look
ing at there paid faces, drawn
features, bowed shoulders and un-
certain steps, one could not bnt feel
that the departed hero in the hearse
would have been grieved at so much
sacrifice of health to honor him.
The scene at the White House on
New Years day was like those OF
former years. There were abundant
floral decorations, elegantly dressed
ladies and crowds Of people. They
said the toilets were more elegant
that ever before, and that the crowd
was greater, but then they say that
every year. For once the President
attracted more attention than Mrs.
Cleveland. Everybody was anxious
to see how he looked after his week
of confinement from rheumatism.
He was little pale and worn but
every one was surprised to see him